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A blog of our mountain adventures in Scotland, hiking, biking, rock-scrambling and more !

Drumochter Munros

2-3 January 2016
Two days on the Munros either side of the A9 at Drumochter were planned as a tonic from New Year celebrations.

On our first day, Richard was leading, with the target of the 4 Munros on the western side of the A9.
Arriving at Balsporran, rain had already beat the gang there.
Over the railway and up the track, then onto sodden ground, Geal Charn was reached.
In mist, disappointingly, no views to be had.
Over to A'Mharconaich, the decision was made to descend rather than continue over to Beinn Udlamain - hopefully tomorrow would fare better ?

Day two and I was leading - Richard was heading down to Taynult and for a walk with a couple of folk upto Glen Croe.
Forecast was for much the same as yesterday, with the wind picking up as the day progressed. And snow !
After meeting at Balsporran, we debated heading up Beinn Udlamain and Sgairneach Mor, though with three river crossings on the way and rivers in spate, we wisely chose to head up the hills on the eastern side of the A9 instead.
Up the track that twists under and then above the massive pylons, we hiked with a spring in our steps, chatting as we went.
The wind gradually picked up and gentle showers turned to rain, then sleet, then snow.
One of the group was struggling with the buffeting gusts and considered turning back - I persuaded her to continue - and we did.
We were well kitted out and with goggles protecting our eyes, we laughed at the wind and carried on.
But the weather got the last laugh - upon reaching the remains of the old quarry, we made the reluctant decision to about turn.
The thought of being in these conditions for another 3 hours competing against an ever increasing wind just didn't appeal.
The hills will be there for another day.

We've pencilled in another attempt for the 17th January. Interested ?

After dropping off people in Newtonmore and Aviemore, I headed up to Loch Morlich and the Cairngorm Ski Centre. Weather had turned pretty foul, even down at low level and retreated to the comfort of the Cairngorm Day Lodge for coffee and cake !